Artist Statement

Animals have always been of great interest to me, particularly the small ones. A couple years ago, I was at Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for a weekend. At one point, I found myself standing alone, watching asters seemingly overtaken by fritillary butterflies. Across the road, from where I stood, was a mountain overlook. There the people flocked. I wondered how no one seemed to notice all this little beauty. I do love the mountains and appreciated the vista also but it surprised me that few took notice of the colorful insect activity. One person even asked what I was looking at.

Through my art, I work to visualize the individuality of my subjects, and give them respect even if they seem insignificant due to their size. Science has shown the little creatures are an integral part of the environment, sustaining the lives around them, including ours. They can also be wonderful teachers. The cicada stands as a symbol of endurance, growing underground for years, finally to emerge transformed with wings. The cave spider’s home is essentially complete darkness, yet it goes forward each day working to survive. It continues without worry. Nature can show us how to live if we spend time with it – watching and listening.

The works presented on this website are a collection of images from my travels to National Parks, other countries and my own state of Wisconsin. I have been fortunate to serve as the artist in residence at Glacier, Everglades, Mesa Verde and Great Basin National Parks; inspired by the diversity of life found in these landscapes.